Daniela Grushevska, principal of DG7 Design, LLC, leads the architecture and design firm having more than two decades of experience. She grew up in Bulgaria during the country’s challenging transition from communism to a free-market economy, which formed her resilience and strong work ethic. These formative years fueled her determination and accomplishments in the highly competitive field of interior design. Ms. Grushevska earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design from Maryville University of Saint Louis in 2001, launching her distinguished career. She holds the NCIDQ certification from the Council for Interior Design, a widely recognized mark of excellence. She specializes in hospitality, multifamily, and commercial projects, consistently creating spaces that exceed her clients’ expectations.
Starting as an intern at Lawrence Group, Ms. Grushevska quickly advanced in her professional journey. She displayed her exceptional abilities, eventually leading a newly formed hospitality team. As the hospitality manager, she established and expanded the hospitality design practice, setting a high standard that defined her career. Seeking new challenges after two decades, she moved on to senior associate positions at ForrestPerkins and Trivers, later serving as interior design director. She continued to excel at Oculus Inc. before starting her firm, DG7 Design, in 2022. She emphasizes relationship-building as a cornerstone of her business philosophy, valuing transparency, loyalty, and maximizing client spaces. She approaches every challenge as an opportunity, distinguishing herself by her refusal to take no for an answer and finding ways to achieve her clients’ goals.
Ms. Grushevska was recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 by the St. Louis Business Journal in 2016 and was named a member of Boutique Design’s Boutique 18 in 2015. These accomplishments reflect her commitment to her craft, supported by her academic achievements, diligent work ethic, and a strong sense of responsibility from an early age. Her innovative approach consistently breaks boundaries in every project she undertakes. Beyond her professional successes, Ms. Grushevska actively engages in civic and industry organizations, demonstrating her dedication to her community and profession. From 2020 to 2022, she served as treasurer of the Texas Astronomical Society. She continues to contribute to the Urban Land Institute, actively participating in the hospitality council and membership committee. Additionally, she serves on the advisory board for Maryville University’s interior design program, giving back to the academic community that played a pivotal role in shaping her career.
Driven by a passion for building meaningful connections and making lasting business impacts through design, Ms. Grushevska treasures collaborative experiences. One of her most memorable moments involved working closely with a family-owned business, where she cultivated a deep sense of trust and teamwork. This partnership ultimately led to her participation in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the store’s grand opening, a career highlight that remains dear to her.
Focusing on the transformative power of design in commercial spaces, Ms. Grushevska chose to establish her presence in the commercial sector rather than residential. She finds immense satisfaction in seeing how her designs impact businesses, enhancing aesthetics and functionality while driving client success. She reimagines challenging spaces and improves business operations, always aiming to make her clients happy and witness the tangible benefits her designs bring. Ms. Grushevska plans to expand DG7 Design’s operations and pursue an ownership stake. She aims to solidify her reputation as a leader in hospitality design and continue integrating sustainable business practices. Her determination to support the design community and contribute positively to the industry guides her.
Prioritizing family life, Ms. Grushevska values her close relationships with her parents and sister, who provide constant encouragement. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, eating, solving jigsaw puzzles, and exploring her passion for astronomy—interests that reflect her multifaceted personality and appreciation for both the natural world and design complexities. Her story reflects perseverance, growth, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Throughout her journey from Bulgaria to her rise as a prominent figure in American design, she constantly demonstrates leadership, creativity, and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities. Through honesty, hard work, and dedication to her craft, Ms. Grushevska continues to shape the future of interior design, one project at a time.